Final Thoughts On Futures Trading

The foregoing is, at most, a brief and incomplete discussion of a complex topic. Options trading has its own vocabulary and its own arithmetic. If you wish to consider trading in options on futures contracts, you should discuss the possibility with your broker and read and thoroughly understand the Options Disclosure Document which he is required to provide. In addition, have your broker provide you with educational and other literature prepared by the exchanges on which options are traded. Or contact the exchange directly. A number of excellent publications are available. In no way, it should be emphasized, should anything discussed herein be considered trading advice or recommendations. That should be provided by your Orion Futures Group, Inc. broker or advisor. Similarly, your broker or advisor--as well as the exchanges where futures contracts are traded--are your best sources for additional, more detailed information about futures trading.

It is not our intention to suggest either that you should or should not participate in futures markets. Low margins, high leverage, frequently volatile prices, and the continuing needs of hedgers to manage the price uncertainties inherent in their business create opportunities to realize potentially substantial profits. But for each such opportunity, there is a commensurate risk. Futures trading, as stated at the outset, is not for everyone.

Hopefully, the preceding pages have helped to provide a better understanding of the opportunities and the risks alike, as well as an understanding of what futures markets are, how they work, who uses them, alternative methods of participation and the vital economic function that futures markets perform.

Next: What is a Futures Contract?